By Marni Montanez

9/12/2016

It is a long arduous task, being an animal advocate. As Christians,
it is even more difficult because we are often quoted the non-verse, that
God loves people more than animals, which, by the way, is not true.

But even as non Christians the kind of work involved in stopping animal
cruelty can set us on a road that unleashes a passion within us we didnít
know we had. This passion, if not carefully monitored can bring us to
places of heartache and frustration that goes well beyond the average
person. We do need passion, but we need to be careful that the passion
doesnít overwhelm us.

Too many animal advocates have taken their lives because of the endless
nightmare facing them not only every day, but it seems like every moment.

We can turn off our computer for a specific amount of time so that we are
not bombarded with the horrid images that afflict us daily. We can
turn off our phones and choose to go outside and breathe fresh air. We
must find a measure of joy and peace within our days or we too will lose
hope that it will ever stop and decide death is our relief.

It is not about changing it all in a single sweep although all of us
dream of that happening. It is about doing our part, which varies from
person to person, and then allowing others to pick up the slack.

As human beings we need time to recuperate because it is the worst thing
to get involved in. Once you are in, you are in. Itís like wanting to get
out of the mafia. You can walk away but the visions of animals being
abused or homeless will haunt you and take your emotional life.

We must know our limits and reach out to each other for prayer, a
listening ear, or a hopeful voice that saysÖÖ. ďGo rest for awhile and
itís okĒ

All animal advocates want the exact same thing. We want all animals to be
safe, well taken care of, healthy and happy. We want to look into the
world and see nothing but love for Godís creatures.

The cruelty that exists is not what it was supposed to be like.

Be ok, about not being ok. We see some horrible images.
Sometimes knowing that animals are hurting somewhere out there is a heavy
load, but we must not forget that there is a great big community of people
who have exactly the same goal.

We are not alone; none of us, and it is important to find our supporters
as we trudge through the heartbreaking stories we hear.

Be encouraged, there are so many victories we have had since the
beginning of animal advocacy. We need to remind ourselves that itís
possible, because laws have changed, animals have been saved and hope has
been restored.

Let us move on with the group mentality that we are a force strong and
relentless; a force who refuses to give up or let go of our position.
We are a group of individuals who need time out and rest and to cry and
scream and vent. We need each other. This is a big task, but one
that is possible to conquer.

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